The Paigah Palaces (Hyderabad city)

In the hierarchy of nobles of Hyderabad, the Paigah family ranked immediately next to the ruling family of Nizams. Abul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung Bahadur, progenitor of Paigah family migrated to Hyderabad in the late 1740’s. Nizam Salabat Jung (not considered an Asaf Jah) conferred on him the order of nobility in 1756. Tegh Jung was also entrusted with the defence of the kingdom. Eventually this became the hereditary function of the Paigah nobles.

The Paigahs were also the foremost palace builders of Hyderabad. As described earlier, the Falaknuma Palace was built by Nawab Vikarul - Umra, Iqbaluddoula. This was later acquired by the Nizam VI. Vikarul Umra also built the Paigah Palace in Begumpet, presently the office of Hyderabad Urban Development Authority. Dating back to the 1880’s, this is a large two storeyed neo-classical building with a portico, semicircular arches, unfluted Corinthian columns, projected and pedimented windows and deep arcaded verandahs on all four sides.

Near Paigah Palace lies the Deorhi of Nazir Nawaz Jung, who was the grand son of Vikarul Umra. The building however was built in the 1880’s. This is a beautiful and large two storeyed palace in European style. It has wide verandas facing outwards as well as inwards overlooking a courtyard. The complex is partly converted into a club. The rest of the area is used as a residence.

Palaces of other nobles of the Paigah family; Asman Jah (Bashiruddoula) and Khursid Jah are in poor state of preservation in the old city. The most important palace of Bashiruddoula, the Bashirbagh Palace situated north of the old city has been demolished. Asman Garh, a smaller but interesting European-style palace on a hilltop in Dilsukhnagar still survives.